September 01, 2011

Climb For Sudan: Determination for a Great Cause

As many of you know, I was honored a few months back when Joe Rogers and Nick Spivey asked me to be the Honorary Chair for their bold, philanthropic initiative Climb For Sudan. Initially, I had high hopes that time would allow me to climb with them on some of the great 14-ers in Colorado; unfortunately, I was kept busy by Challenge21 initiatives and my Rwenzori expedition, and was not able to climb with Nick and Joe.

But, they have done an extraordinary job - as expected - climbing strong for months as they ticked off summit after summit after summit throughout the state. The goal for Climb For Sudan was a bold one: Climb all 58 Colorado fourteeners (peaks above 14,000 feet) in 70 days and raise $100,000 for Project Education Sudan a dedicated 501(c)3 that build schools - and fosters hope - in South Sudan.

Sadly, after climbing the 54th peak on their list - Snowmass Mountain - Joe took a 40 foot fall. His injuries were fortunately not life-threatening, but still serious enough to take him off the roster for the final 4 peaks. But, Nick will continue on, and plans to climb the remaining peaks - Longs, Holy Cross, and Grays & Torreys - by Friday, September 9th.

And, that will be the day of a big celebration for Nick, Joe, Climb For Sudan and Project Education Sudan: the "Top of the Peak" dinner in downtown Denver. It will be a great night featuring former Broncos Celebrity Bartenders, Salida Circus Performers, “Buy a Block, Build a School” Live Auction, Silent Auction including 1st level Broncos tickets, home plate Rockies tickets, spa packages, mountain condos and more, Lost Boys Dance Performance, Sponsor Recognition Ceremony.

But, most importantly, it will be a celebration of all that Joe and Nick accomplished over 70 days in tribute to the challenges and successes of the people of South Sudan.

So, if you're interested, please consider attending the Top of the Peak celebration dinner on September 9th. It promises to be a great event, and in support of an even greater cause. Here's the details: